Portable ultrasonic device and method for diagnosis of dental caries

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus and method for the detection of dental caries. The apparatus generates longitudinal ultrasound waves that may be applied to any accessible surface of a tooth. The reflected ultrasound pulse echoes are collected and correlated with the incident pulse. The ultrasound pulse echoes from the front and rear surface of a dental cavity may be distinguished from other echoes, and provided in visual display to inform as to the size and location of the cavity.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the ultrasonic detection of dental caries using longitudinal ultrasonic waves. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Currently, X-ray technology is the routine tool to examine for dental caries. Dental radiographs, to find dental caries (decay), show density differences in tooth structure caused by loss of calcium. Dental radiographs, however, can only be utilized to look for caries on the two accessible side surfaces of teeth. The remaining structures, particularly the occlussal (biting) surface, frequently develop considerably large carious lesions that remain undetectable to physical examination with the dental probe or by radiographic examination. These devices may not detect a cavity until it is advanced, and therefore is not a good tool for early detection and early treatment. A dental radiograph is radioactive, so it carries some degree of risk. Dental radiogr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Various display methods may be provided to give the us...

Problems solved by technology

Dental radiographs, however, can only be utilized to look for caries on the two accessible side surfaces of teeth.

The remaining structures, particularly the occlussal (biting) surface, frequently develop considerably large carious lesions that remain undetectable to physical examination with the dental probe or by radiographic examination.

These devices may not detect a cavity until it is advanced, and therefore is not a good tool for early detection and early treatment.

A dental radiograph is radioactive, so it carries some degree of risk.

Dental radiography is also expensive and non-portable.

However, most caries have small entry openings and a much larger void can exist under the biting surface.

These cavities cannot be easily found with the commonly used dental probes or X-rays.

While this improves early detection, it is may be limited in performance for early detection, for example, because of non-uniformities in tooth color that create false signals or mask real signals.

Ultrasonic surface waves are capable of only limited penetration into the tooth and therefore, are unable to detect deeply penetrating caries or to determine the size of the caries.

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